Eton crank emergency radio & simple Eton Radios is based on the transmission of signals by electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. These waves pass through the air and the vacuum of space and when a property of the wave is altered, like amplitude or frequency, then information can be carried.

If the waves are then passed through an electrical conductor they are able to be detected and heard.

The basic principles of these transmissions of signal waves were developed following years of research and experimentation in many countries.

In 1830 two men, among others, had success with their experiments; they were Michael Faraday in England and Joseph Henry in America. Both these men were working on experiments that revealed electromagnetic induction but neither of them knew of the others progress. Henry was thought to be the first to achieve primary results but Faraday, who was not far behind, was the first to publish his work.

In being the first to be published he was seen as the main leading expert in this field.

Due to their discoveries they each have a unit of electrical measure named after them. Faraday had the measure of electrical capacitance named after him, it is called the farad. Henry had the measure of electrical inductance named after him, it is called the henry. This was often done when people discovered new concepts and theories.

Early Eton Radios were used by armies and navies on both sides in World War 1 to pass on orders and communicate. It was used to detect and locate aircraft and ships using basic radar techniques and Morse Code.

It had been used before then in the early 1900's by the Japanese and the Russians and even during the sinking if the Titanic in 1912. Following the development of primitive radio the idea was adapted for commercial sales and different military organisations became interested, and saw the potential in utilising the features.

Originally this new form of communication was called "wireless telegraphy", this was later shortened by the British who began to call it just 'wireless'. Later the term 'broadcasting' was used when radio became more widely used. This name came from the agricultural scattering of seeds, and you can understand why, as radio was electronically 'scattering' news, information, weather forecasts and entertainment to the masses.

Early radio systems relied on the energy collected by a simple antenna to produce any signals. Radio became more useful after the invention of electronic devices such as the vacuum tube and the transistor, which made it possible to amplify weaker signals.

The development from a laboratory demonstration and published paper to a viable form of communication spanned several decades and required the efforts of many people.

As the concept was further developed many types of radio became available, radios with foot pedals, clockwork and crank handled radios were all popular for powerless emergencies.

The battery radio became popular as a household item as more services were being broadcast and people wanted to stay ahead of news. It was soon realised however that if the electricity should fail then the radio could still be used.

People became aware that it made sense to keep a self powered radio in their possession for such times and in any other emergency they may find themselves in. It does not take any power to wind, crank or pump the radio only muscle power. Such a radio can be a lifesaver in any location and is something that is light and portable.

While the regular radios cover the standard FM and AM waves, most emergency radios were designed to cover these set signals, many more short wave channels, and various other emergency services. During a power outage the standard channels may be down but the short wave channels are easier to keep running and should always be able to be detected and transmitted. This is why having an emergency radio is a better option in any powerless situation than a regular radio. An emergency radio will be able to provide help with your location and predicted weather conditions as well as provide a link to the outside world. It is not surprising that the emergency radio is making a comeback in the world today as more natural disasters and power cuts are becoming more prevalent.

The importance of emergency radio is that it keeps its power for a decent length of time. It can be powered by battery but also needs some additional sources of power. Emergency radios that can be recharged manually are ideal for any remote location or unusual situation.

When the Titanic sunk in 1912 it was emergency radio that assisted with communications between the ship and others in it's vicinity. The ship was able to communicate a list of some of the survivors to the shore via radio.

In the 1920's broadcasting, as it is known today became possible. It became widespread due to the introduction of radio receivers, particularly in Europe and the United States. This was followed by point-to-point broadcasting that introduced telephone messaging and the airing of radio programmes. Radio was seen as unique in that it only produced sound but that could be used in so many different forms and ways. You could listen to dramas and comedies and news of any kind was able to be spread much further. It opened up a world of opportunity for manufacturers.

Although radio has been improved and modified over the last century it is the emergency radio that has kept radio being more than just a much loved, dependable and trusted friend. Throughout history it has proved to be invaluable to everyone who has used it

The emergency radio is probably the most useful and versatile tool that was ever created. It's simplicity and efficiency has saved many lives, in many ways, and it is almost certainly here to stay.

It cannot be stressed how important this equipment can be during any kind of disaster or freak weather conditions. An emergency radio should be near the top of your list of priorities when shopping for survival, disaster or emergency equipment. Every household would benefit from the knowledge that they have some basic form of communication should the need arise.